| LOCATION | Houston, TX | JOB TYPE | Regular Full-time |
| JOB NUMBER | 2023-00736-E | DEPARTMENT | Executive |
| DIVISION | Legal Department | OPENING DATE | 07/03/2023 |
| CLOSING DATE | 7/31/2023 11:59 PM Central |
Position Description
This position will report to and assist the Legal Director providing legal support to the Office with a focus on issues arising from Detentions.
The Staff Attorney will respond to inmate grievances and assist law library paralegals in responding to the inmates’ requests for legal documents to ensure their access to the courts. The Staff Attorney will provide legal support for Detentions, which includes advice on issues arising under the Code of Criminal Procedure, the Texas Health & Safety Code, and Texas Government Code, Chapter 552 (Texas Public Information Act), etc.; drafting and review of contracts (vendor, affiliation, data use, confidentiality, etc.); and advise on issues related to COVID-19 or other communicable diseases within the Jail.
The position gives input on operational decision-making and ensures that Detention practices align with Harris County policies.
The Staff Attorney further provides policy development and compliance recommendations, drafts transactions and gains knowledge of legal principles and procedures concerning contracts including federal and state laws, rules, and regulations that apply to the HCSO, gives formal and informal advice to Detentions, and assists media with responses and inquiries regarding Detentions.
Legal Services values action-oriented team players who exhibit the highest ethical standards and enthusiastically improve their professional skills while providing public service to Harris County.
Requirements
Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school; Current Texas Law license in good standing Knowledge of:
The practice of criminal, civil, and constitutional law in state, appellate, and federal courts Legal principles, practices, and proceedings
Agency and departmental organizational structure, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations
Ability to:
Communicate ideas and instructions clearly and concisely
Interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures Plan work and meet deadlines
Analyze legal problems, prepare opinions, and interpret laws, rules, and regulations
Teamwork:
Key Values
Must be able to thrive in an environment based on Teamwork:
- Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with co-workers both within and outside the HCSO
- Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with elected officials, department heads, and managers throughout the County
- Establishes and builds trust by diplomatically, but assertively, addressing conflicts directly with co-workers
- Seeks input from co-workers
- Seeks opportunities to recognize co-workers and members of the HCSO across all departments
- Accepts supervision and constructive criticism positively with an attitude toward improvement
- Reports to work on time, seldom call in unexpectedly and maintains a good attendance record
- Manages stress to ensure productivity and co-workers are not negatively impacted
Ethical Excellence:
- Upholds high ethical standards in achieving the goals and mission of the Office
- Respects the rights and dignity of others at all times
- Is familiar with and adheres to established rules for professional conduct
- Adheres to the highest ethical standards in the provision of legal services
- Acts with honesty and integrity in dealing with others
Attitude for Action:
Self-starter, able to work independently without supervision
Organizes and prioritizes multiple projects simultaneously to maintain a high level of productivity Proactively seeks additional duties and responsibilities
Meets deadlines, both milestone and final
Makes effective and efficient use of time in carrying out responsibilities
Measurable Improvement:
- Seeks new ways to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the compliance initiative
- Develops daily habits to improve both self and the organization
- Establishes goals and works to achieve them
- Willing to learn new duties, approaches, and routines Proactively seeks avenues for self-development
Service to all, according to law:
Recognizes public service as a high calling
Communicates with persons inside and outside of the organization in a prompt, positive, and professional manner
General Information
Note:
- Applicant submission of the Job Request Packet does not guarantee an interview
- To qualify for this position, the required experience, education, and skills must be clearly stated on your application’s employment history
- Resumes are welcome, but we do not use any information provided on your resume for qualifications
- Experience obtained while in the military must also be included as part of your employment history on the application
Incomplete applications will not be considered
Equal Opportunity Statement
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date if sufficient applications have been received
Agency
Harris County Sheriff’s Office
Address
5749 South Loop East Houston, Texas, 77033
Phone
713-877-5250